Murder for Money and Love: Sonam Raghuvanshi Allegedly Paid ₹20 Lakh to Orchestrate Husband’s Killing

 In a shocking turn of events, Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, is reported to have paid a substantial sum to contract killers to execute the crime. According to multiple media sources, the investigation has revealed that Sonam initially offered ₹4 lakh for the murder but later raised the amount to ₹20 lakh.

Investigators believe Sonam paid ₹15,000 in cash upfront to the assailants at the time of hiring, with the promise of paying the remaining amount following the successful execution of the plan. However, police have stated that these financial transactions are still under verification.

Preliminary findings suggest that the three accused individuals hired by Sonam first came into contact with the couple in Bengaluru. From there, they reportedly boarded a connecting flight together to Meghalaya.

Sonam and Raja, who were married in Indore on May 11, had travelled to Meghalaya on May 20 for their honeymoon. Raja’s family last communicated with the couple on May 23, after which they were reported missing. On May 24, the scooter rented by the couple was found abandoned, prompting a police search.

The investigation took a grim turn on June 2, when authorities discovered a decomposed male body in a gorge, later identified as Raja Raghuvanshi. A gold chain and a finger ring were reportedly missing from the remains, further supporting suspicions of foul play.

While Raja’s wife remained untraceable in the immediate aftermath, she was located on June 9 at an eatery in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. Sonam’s whereabouts came to light after she reportedly contacted her brother, who then informed police. Eyewitnesses at the eatery noted that she appeared distressed and had requested a phone to call her family. Following this, she surrendered to the authorities.

The police subsequently arrested three men in connection with the case—Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi—along with a fourth suspect, Raj Kushwaha, from Madhya Pradesh. Kushwaha is alleged to be Sonam’s lover and is believed to have conspired with her to plan the murder. It is suspected that Kushwaha introduced Sonam to the other three individuals, who were not professional hitmen but rather his acquaintances.

Raja’s family has alleged that Kushwaha was seen at their Indore residence even after Raja’s body was returned, raising further suspicions about his involvement. They have since demanded the strictest possible punishment for all those involved.

Sonam is currently in the custody of Meghalaya Police on a three-day transit remand as the investigation continues.